Weekend Best Bets: January 24-26

Life Is a Cabaret, Old Chum

WHAT: Cabaret
WHERE: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8:00 p.m.
Broadway Re-Imagined brings a performance of the musical arranged by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Directed by the nationally acclaimed Peter Rothstein, this staging brings the audience back to 1930s Berlin with classic songs such as “Wilkommen” and “Maybe This Time”. Quinton Skinner recently reviewed the musical on the TC Culture blog, calling it, "Sexy, catchy, with breakout performances". Learn more at theaterlatteda.com.

Sweeping the Clouds Away

WHAT: Sesame Street Live
WHERE: Target Center
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. & 8:00 p.m.
A friendship-themed show for the younger set: Elmo, Big Bird, and the rest of the gang meet Chamki, Grover’s friend from India. Fans of Sesame Street can see their favorites come to life, along with a gentle message about open-mindedness and understanding. Learn more at targetcenter.com.

Saturday, January 25

Festival on Tap

WHAT: Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival
WHERE: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
WHEN: 3:30 p.m.
WHAT: It’s no secret that beer culture is exploding in Minnesota, with breweries big and small driving interest in all varieties of suds. The Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival 2014 is the biggest Minnesota outdoor beer festival, including more than 150 breweries (local and national), along with music, food trucks, a homebrew contest and other activities. Learn more at beerdabbler.com.

No Time for Writer’s Block

WHAT: Twin Cities 24
WHERE: The Southern Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 8:00 p.m.
Actors, directors, and writers from Minnesota and elsewhere convene to combine the art of stage performance and the thrill of live competition. The Twin Cities 24 theater festival pits teams who have 24 hours to write and perform (from scratch) a live show in a contest for the TC24 Audience Award & Cup of Victory. Learn more at twincities24.com.

Sunday, January 26

And the Winner Is

WHAT: Twin Cities Grammy Experience
WHERE: The Pourhouse, Minneapolis
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
Put together by the Aegis Foundation; come see the Grammy Awards without traveling to Los Angeles (yes, it's warmer there, but you have work the next morning), all while making a charitable donation. In its second year of existence, the experience will be hosted by The CW’s Carly Aplin, and will feature live music courtesy of the Virtuosos Music Academy. Learn more at aegisfoundationinc.org.

Make Winter History

WHAT: Pond Dakota Winter History Festival
WHERE: Gideon and Agnes Pond House, Bloomington
WHEN: 12:00 p.m.
Minnesota winters have their challenges, but a look back in time might provide some perspective. A continuous supply of wagon rides giving visitors a look into the old Minnesota Frontier experience will accompany indoor and outdoor games, along with a magic show and free refreshments. Learn more at bloomingtonmn.gov.